Drawing on her professional experience in the United States Foreign Service, retired Ambassador Geeta Pasi discussed with College of Business students the impact of changes in the workplace on women, both in the United States and overseas. The talk included a review of data from McKinsey and the Harvard Business School that challenged perceptions about women in the workplace, particularly their goals and aspirations.
In addition, she also explored a 2021 diplomatic incident with the students. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen blamed sexism for seating arrangements at a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Her male European Council counterpart, Charles Michel, was given a seat next to the Turkish president. She was directed to a sofa off to the side, and she spoke publicly about the incident, which became known as “sofagate” in Europe.
The conversation included questions about the definition and impact of microaggressions, promoting diversity and inclusion, and life in the Foreign Service. Pasi is the inaugural Donald F. McHenry Visiting Professor in Diplomacy and International Affairs.
